Emerson And Havertz Start, Chilwell And Kovacic Out: Chelsea’s Predicted Line Up To Face Newcastle

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3 years ago

Tags: Chelsea, Kai Havertz, newcastle united

Barring any injuries in the final round of international fixtures this week, Chelsea have only had one new fitness concern (Ben Chilwell) since their last game against Sheffield United.

Manager Frank Lampard will, therefore, have a number of options to choose from when they travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday.

After a number of good results before the international break, it will be hoped that they can continue their recent form when they play the Magpies. So, who will be in the starting line up?

Press the next page as we predict Chelsea’s eleven for this weekend’s game:

GK – Edouard Mendy

Although the Senegalese international did concede his first goal in the Premier League in Chelsea’s last fixture versus Sheffield United, he did very little wrong, barring a poor punch from a corner.

Mendy has now firmly established himself as the club’s number one keeper ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga.

RB – Reece James

The 20-year-old has begun to feature prominently for England in recent games, which will no doubt boost his confidence even more.

At club level, James’ partnership with Hakim Ziyech on the right flank is developing nicely with the fullback making overlapping runs whilst the Moroccan cuts inside to find space.

CB – Thiago Silva

Brazil play their last game on Tuesday evening so it should give the defender enough of a break between games to feature this weekend.

There is still a doubt over Silva’s inclusion at St James’ Park, though, as Lampard did rest the Chelsea defender for the game after the last international break when they played Southampton.

CB – Kurt Zouma

The Frenchman has really upped his game in recent weeks and was deservingly called up by France manager Didier Deschamps for their Nations League matches.

Zouma is now firmly entrenched as Lampard’s preferred choice to partner Silva, with the pair having kept a number of clean sheets when they have played together.

LB – Emerson Palmieri

Ben Chilwell is a doubt for Saturday’s game after picking up a back injury in England’s 2-0 defeat to Belgium on Sunday so a replacement may well be needed.

Marcos Alonso is unlikely to be selected, leaving either Emerson or Cesar Azpilicueta as the two alternatives. The Italian may be the favourite in order to provide Chelsea with more width in the attacking third of the pitch.

CM – N’Golo Kante

The 29-year-old scored a vital goal for France in their 1-0 win over Portugal at the weekend and he seems to have regained his form since moving back into a deeper role.

Kante remains a key player for the Blues and his qualities will likely be on show once again at St James’ Park on Saturday.

AM – Mason Mount

Invariably starts when fit and he never lets Lampard down when given an opportunity playing as one of the central midfield players.

Mount is certainly more effective when playing through the middle, rather than playing on one of the flanks, so we should see a good performance from him this weekend.

AM – Kai Havertz

The German is still a doubt as he needs to pass a virus test before being allowed to return to training with the first team, but it is hoped he will be back in contention after being sidelined for the win against the Blades.

Havertz would likely take the place of Mateo Kovacic who did pick up a knock before the international break.

RW – Hakim Ziyech

The Moroccan was superb against the Blades prior to the international fixtures and he has continued that form whilst playing for his country over the past week.

Ziyech has already become a key creative player for Chelsea and his ingenuity will be needed to overcome what is likely to be a stubborn Newcastle defence.

CF – Tammy Abraham

The 23-year-old has scored on his last two starts for the Blues so it would be very harsh if he was taken out of the starting line up.

Christian Pulisic’s continuing injury problems means Timo Werner can be moved wide in order to accommodate Abraham and this will likely be the case once again on Saturday.

LW – Timo Werner

The German looks equally dangerous playing out wide as he does playing through the middle. He has scored four goals in his last three games playing in the position.

Werner may struggle to get in behind a Newcastle defence which sits in a low block so he will have to be patient to get his opportunities.